Tucked in the northeastern corner of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are home to beautiful beaches and clear seas hosting an array of wildlife along its beautiful outlying reefs.
What a magical place to pass the time. To be honest, I lost track of time here as soon as my hammock was hanging between the palm trees. I was fortunate to meet some kindred spirits along the way while passing through the Cameron Highlands, an area full of lush tea plants located in central Malaysia. My akin European friends would accompany me to the edge of the world to peak into another unknown world that lies on Perhentian Kecil.
Getting to the islands is a fun little adventure. There is one boat on and off of the island. You should plan accordingly about how you will get there and your schedule of travel/flights/etc. Also, be aware that there is only a small bus station coming in and out of Kuala Besut and the times are subject to change accordingly. Remember to take out all of the money that you need because there are no ATMs and many places do not accept your plastic convenience.
The islands are amazing! The ride is a quick thirty to forty-five minutes by boat, depending on the seas, and the driver will drop you off at your selected beach so you can arrive at your destination. But, beware because you cannot book these places in advance. They are, "first come, first serve." If you visit and everything is booked then rent a tent or a hammock and enjoy the night outside. I vouched to sleep in my hammock as I was a solo traveler and I didn't want to pay extra money to stay in a hostel (nor did I want a roof over my head in that fantastic weather). The hammock was perfect for me.
I'm glad that I made that choice. After all, I was not only rained on one night and forced under the deck to stay dry for a few hours but I an opportunity of a lifetime soon arrived. As I lie in my hammock, staring at constellations and being truly happy with myself in that very moment, I had a new friend share her space with me. She was large and quiet; rather slow to get settled. But, she was beautiful. As this gorgeous sea turtle shuffled out of the calm water and across the sand right alongside my hammock, she found her chosen spot and decided to lay her eggs beside one of the boats banked along the shore. It was amazing. What a beautiful act of life made just before my eyes. There were no flashlights. The other people around were quiet and calm; it was almost majestic. I will never forget the night. You see, there is a saying that freedom isn't free; that you cannot explore the world on a dime; that life's most treasured moments come with a price tag. But, I beg to differ because these sayings are for those who don't know how to enjoy the beauty that is around them. You don't need to spend money to be in a beautiful place. You just need to find the beauty in what's around you. You don't need to have a ton of money to travel to paradise. I spent USD 60 on food and accommodation for a week in these beautiful islands which included my boat shuttles around the islands. I don't think its possible to even feed a family of three or four at a restaurant for that cheap back home.
The point is that this place is off the grid. It's beautiful, peaceful and relaxing. I recommend D'Lagoon because it's effortless and hospitable. Put everything on a tab and pay at the end of the trip. And please, go diving. These waters offer a world of wonder below, from wrecks to amazing reefs, you won't be disappointed. We had a snorkeling trip booked one morning, and by night we were with hookahs and dancing fire-breathers on the beach.
Go live and explore; it's your ticket to discovering yourself while you discover the world.